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Meir Ben Shabbat

Meir Ben Shabbat is head of the Misgav Institute for Zionist Strategy & National Security, in Jerusalem. He served as Israel’s national security advisor and head of the National Security Council between 2017 and 2021. Prior to that, for 25 years he held senior positions in the Israel Security Agency (Shabak).

Israel’s handling of trapped Rafah terrorists will signal to regional powers whether it remains committed to dismantling terror infrastructure or accepts cosmetic fixes.
The IDF should immediately create a 300-meter security zone on the Gazan side of the border and declare that any Palestinian entering places his life at risk.
The Mossad chief’s recent threats against Iran were actually intended to clarify to the Biden administration precisely where Jerusalem’s priorities currently lie.
The gang wars in Arab towns should have the state authorities rethink their approach, as well as take immediate steps to restore trust and personal safety.
New “understandings” between Washington and Tehran could cement Iran’s status as a nuclear threshold state.
The way Israel has so far responded to Hezbollah’s provocations has only encouraged it to continue and even ratchet up a notch.
The order of the day: Don’t be right, be responsible. This obligation should apply to the leaders and the public across all the rival camps.
Will the P.A. act to preserve the IDF’s achievements in the terror hotbed? The simple answer is: “Highly unlikely.”
Adding Saudi Arabia to the Abraham Accords will be a boon for all—and would help keep it away from Iran and China. But it won’t be worth it if the Israeli concessions are too great.